London’s rail network ground to a halt yesterday as multiple faults sparked day-long chaos for Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services.
A signalling issue between Norwood Junction and London Bridge/Blackfriars, combined with a train derailment at Selhurst depot, left passengers facing cancellations, diversions, and severe delays until evening.
Train lines disrupted
Southern and Thameslink suspensions
No services on routes like London Bridge to East Grinstead, Brighton to Cambridge, and Bedford to Three Bridges; others diverted or running 45-60 minutes late.
London Overground
Lines between Highbury & Islington and West Croydon part-suspended, skipping stations like Penge West, Anerley, Norwood Junction, and West Croydon due to the Selhurst derailment.
London Underground
Severe delays on Piccadilly (signal failure at Osterley) and Central lines; minor delays on Jubilee from cancellations.
Alternative travel options
Rail tickets were valid on a wide range of substitutes to ease the pain – no extra cost for reroutes.
- North of London Thameslink/Great Northern via any route; East Midlands to St Pancras
- Through London Buses, Underground, Elizabeth line (Farringdon-Abbey Wood), Trams (Wimbledon-East Croydon)
- South of London Southern/Thameslink/Gatwick Express; Southeastern to Sevenoaks/Dartford/Tonbridge
- Overground riders could hop on Southern or buses; Piccadilly passengers used Elizabeth line or South Western Railway.
This is a breaking news story. We will update this article regularly.